IU Cinema: White Nights

White Nights is the story of Nikolai Rodchenko (Mikhail Baryshnikov), a Russian defector, and Raymond Greenwood (Gregory Hines), an American tap dancer who defected behind the Iron Curtain during the Vietnam War. Artistic vision and political idealism collide as two great dancers make a decision that will change their lives forever. Twyla Tharp choreographed the film’s dance sequences, merging elements of classical ballet with American ballet. Of her collaboration with actor-dancers Baryshnikov and Hines, Tharp said “They both wanted to approach the other’s domain. So every now and then Mischa [Baryshnikov] would try a little tap, and Greg would do a pirouette or two. I said, ‘Guys, let’s find something you both do equally well.’ They both went for it … it’s middle ground between tap and ballet. It’s neither.” Helen Mirren and Isabella Rossellini also star. (35mm presentation)